Sidebar: Journalists tell tales of squeezing into the job market
These were some of the tips offered to first-time journalism job hunters by a group of professionals in one of the first panels of the Way New Journalism conference.
The workshop was presented Friday afternoon by four people representing broadcast, daily newspapers, weeklies and magazines. It was attended by more than 40 students and aspiring journalists from places as distant as San Diego and San Luis Obispo.
Sidebar: Journalists tell tales of squeezing into the job market"First, get an education," she said. While a journalism or a graduate degree is not really necessary, she said, a four-year degree is a must.
Sidebar: What they didn't teach you in J-school"I base my decision on the clips," she said about her hiring decisions.
Bruce Brugmann, editor and publisher of the San Francisco Bay Guardian, talked about the growth of weekly and alternative newspapers. Speaking of the decline in dailies, he said "the future of American journalism is with all the other papers in town.
"It is important to know who you're working for," said Brugmann, who emphasized the importance of having a "good boss." He told students they should have an appetite to "reform the world."
Brugmann said there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to start their own publications. "There are plenty of open markets," he said.
San Francisco State University Professor and Way New Journalism Conference Chair John Burks spoke of the advantages of the magazine business.
"You can start now. You don't need to relocate," he said. He advised students to approach publications about freelancing in a very systematic way.
"Pick six magazines that you'd like to be working for. Read them carefully. Start putting together a list of query letters with specific stories," he said. He suggested targeting one magazine each week in a six-week cycle.
Don Fitzpatrick, a "head-hunter" for television and radio stations, said that thanks to the growth of new networks such as Fox, the Cable News Network and Turner Broadcasting System, many more broadcasting jobs are available today than a year ago.
Fitzpatrick said it is important for job applicants to show news directors that they know how the broadcast business works. He said not to call in the afternoon when stations are preparing for the evening news.
Fitzpatrick gave specific advice on preparing a tape to submit with job applications. He said the first thing news directors are interested in is "what you look like. Then go into your strongest piece." He suggested a maximum of 10 to 12 minutes with three or four stories.
Members of the panel agreed that it is important to be familiar with the publication one is applying for.
"Before you interview, read a week's worth of the newspaper. It will pay off," Magnuson said. She also spoke of the importance of skills such as a second language and knowledge of the internet. "It might give you the edge."
Panelists said competition for jobs is tough, and he emphasized the importance of persistence in the job search. Getting to know people, making contacts, attending conferences and joining professional organizations are good starts.
Burks said it is important to know how to write, copy edit and generally be Òmulti-talented. ThatÕs how the game is done. Demonstrating that you can do the job.Ó
Adding a note of humor, he suggested aspiring journalists should Òcrash partiesÓ to get to know editors. He said most local magazine editors know and consult each other when they have job openings.
Brugmann agreed. ÒA lot of the best jobs are not advertised. They are handed down,Ó he said, and he described local magazine editors as a Òlocal mafia.Ó
Magnuson said it was important to follow up even after a rejection.
ÒYou could have been number two. Follow up with a thank-you note,Ó she said, as editors will take that into account the next time they have an opening.
A bit of wisdom repeated by all the panelists was that journalism is a tough profession.
ÒIf your work isnÕt your passion, youÕre in the wrong job,Ó said Magnuson. ÒItÕs never a nine-to-five job.Ó